John Gabler Jr.

October 29, 1969 – October 2, 2026

John Howard Gabler, Jr., lived life to the fullest. An adventurer at heart, a proud Marine, a devoted father, a man of faith, and someone who loved deeply, John embraced the world with courage, humor, and an unquenchable thirst for new experiences. He followed the sunshine, pursued adventure, cherished his family, and made his own path through life.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on October 29, 1969, and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan, John attended Brother Rice High School for two years before graduating from Kimball High School in 1988, where he played baseball and football. He continued his education at Northwood University, earning a degree in Sales and Marketing. John more recently achieved another milestone by earning his Master's in Leadership from Everglades University. John had a lifelong passion for sports, especially University of Michigan athletics. His love for the Wolverines carried on a proud family tradition, as his late father, John H. Gabler, Sr., and his uncle, Wallace F. Gabler, III, both played college football at the University of Michigan.

John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from May 23, 1990, through August 30, 1991. During his service, he fought in the Persian Gulf War during Operation Desert Storm. His service to his country was an important chapter in his life and a lasting part of his legacy. John loved God and his country. His faith and patriotism were meaningful parts of who he was. He remained deeply appreciative of the support he received from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs over the years after his military service.

Never one to follow a conventional path, John described his unique approach to work and life as his “travel the sun” employment tour. He pursued seasonal work wherever the weather was warm, following opportunities and adventures across the country. His first seasonal journey took him to Kodiak Island, Alaska, where he worked on fishing boats. He briefly traded the ocean for the mountains during a ski season in Breckenridge, Colorado. He played beach volleyball in San Diego, treasured summers on Mackinac Island, and met the love of his life on Martha's Vineyard before eventually settling in Pompano Beach, Florida, where he resided for nearly 25 years.

John's love of travel took him around the world, including England, Austria, Greece, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Canada, and South Africa. South Africa was particularly special, giving him the opportunity to visit with his extended family, Gale Jordan, Wayne de Klerk and other family members. It was also the setting for two unforgettable adventures: a bungee jump from the highest bridge bungee-jump site in the world and an exhilarating great white shark cage dive. These experiences perfectly reflected John's fearless spirit and his desire to experience life to its fullest. Whether working in a faraway place, exploring a new country, or taking on an adventure that others might think twice about, John was determined to make the most of every opportunity.

John married Cheryl Ann (de Klerk) Gabler, and together they welcomed their two children, John H. Gabler, III, affectionately known as Johnny, and Madison Mae Gabler. Although their marriage eventually ended, they continued to share special family moments, laughter and an enduring connection.

John treasured the time he spent with his children and shared a unique relationship with each of them. With Johnny, sports provided countless opportunities to bond, whether working out, playing ball, coaching his teams, or serving as the enthusiastic commentator for his football games. With Madison, some of their favorite moments were spent watching sunrises at the beach, taking walks, going to the movies, and simply talking. Their close connection and easy conversations were among the most meaningful parts of their relationship.

John is survived by his beloved children, John H. Gabler, III, and Madison M. Gabler; his devoted mother, Sally L. (Bell) Gabler; his loyal sister, Sarah L. (Gabler) Kolar, and her husband, Michael A. Kolar, Sr.; his nephew, Michael A. Kolar, Jr.; his niece, Margaret L. Kolar; his lifelong supportive aunt, Carolyn E. Gabler; his caring uncle, Brad A. Bell (Melba Bell); and his cousins, Wallace F. Gabler, IV (Alison Horton), Tamara P. Gabler (Michael Leskovec), and Melissa J. Gabler (Patrick Cooke).

John was preceded in death by his beloved father, John H. Gabler, Sr.; his grandparents, Wallace F. Gabler, II and Carolyn M. Gabler; his grandmother, Shirley J. Bell, whose unconditional love held a special place in his heart; his grandfather, Fredrick A. Bell; his uncles, Wallace F. Gabler, III, Frederick A. Bell, Jr., and Clay A. Bell; his great-aunt, Delores J. Hagelstein, affectionately known as “Aunt Tootie”.

John’s greatest legacy will always be the love he gave and the memories he created with the people closest to him. Though his time here was far too short, John's spirit will live on through his children, his family, and all those fortunate enough to have shared in his remarkable journey. May he rest in God's eternal peace, forever loved, forever remembered, and never forgotten. He lived boldly and loved deeply.